Silos cash boost to fix ‘significant cracking’

One of Bunbury’s oldest structures, the former CBH Grain Silos, will receive $100,000 in State Government funding to repair significant cracking.

Heritage Minister David Templeman announced the silos project among 22 heritage places set to receive cash in a $1.22 million funding boost.

The silos were transformed into residential apartments in 2000.

Bunbury MLA Don Punch said the silos were an important part of the city’s heritage.

“This has been a building that has been here since the 1940s – many people would remember the silos in their functional form,” he said.

“It is an important part of Bunbury’s industrial heritage but the question was asked as to what do you do with a whole series of wheat silos.

“The answer is you turn it into this magnificent building that we have now that is fully functional, people live in it, but it is an important symbol of Bunbury’s past.”

Mr Punch said the South West had some fantastic examples of heritage listed buildings.

“The ability to be able to convert those buildings into things that are sustainable into the future is an important part of our tourism,” he said.

“For people coming down here to Bunbury to see this building, they can stay in the short-stay apartments next to it.”

Mr Templeman said the CBH Grain Silos in Bunbury were the first advance storage and mechanical bulk grain handling facility constructed in WA.

“The restoration of this landmark building heralded a new era for Bunbury and helped revitalise Bunbury’s Marlston Waterfront tourism precinct,” he said.

“A $100,000 grant will assist a structural engineer to undertake a full inspection of the exterior walls of the former CBH Grain Silos and to repair significant cracking of the concrete facade.”

The 2018-19 Heritage Grants Program — overseen by the Heritage Council of WA – offers dollar-for-dollar funding of up to $100,000 to help private owners conserve and revitalise properties.